Army chief opposes sending U.S. troops back to Iraq

Jan. 7, 2014 - 05:07PM
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Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno, who led U.S. forces in Iraq through some of the most deadly years of the war, says he opposes sending U.S. combat troops back to Iraq in response to the recent gains there by Islamic militants. (Cliff Owen / AP)

WASHINGTON — A U.S. Army general who led U.S. forces through some of the most deadly years of the Iraq war says he opposes sending U.S. combat troops in response to the recent gains in that country by Islamic militants.

Gen. Ray Odierno said Tuesday he is disappointed by the Iraqi government’s loss of control in key cities in the restive western province of Anbar.

He said the proper U.S. approach now is to remain engaged diplomatically to help Iraqi government leaders get their political system back on track.

Odierno said that despite Iraq’s recent setbacks, it still has the potential to become a strong U.S. partner, adding that hopeful prospect is now looking “a bit shaky.”

Odierno is the Army chief of staff. He spoke at the National Press Club.